If you told me two years ago that I would have the opportunity to be sitting where I am today, I wouldn’t have believed you.

My story was a bit of an unusual one. I was home educated and only went to school post-sixteen. With the way it is, many people have misconceptions about home education and as a result I discovered people had low expectations of me thinking, that I was behind on learning or not up to par with my age mates who were in the school system. But one thing stands out ,I love problem solving, this was nurtured in the education I received. This interest later led me to pursue learning about engineering.  

I first heard of degree apprenticeship towards the end of year 11- the last year of secondary school. I loved the idea. Being able to work on the job while earning a degree was an appealing prospect, with the added advantage of not having to worry about work placements. After discussing the idea with my parents, they didn’t seem very convinced they advised that I should research more into the option whilst I pursue the traditional educational path until I am sure it is a viable path for me.

Having no connections with people high up in the Industry, I made a choice in sixth form to embrace every relevant opportunity. I faced every learning experience with the aim of personal development and cultivating my interests. So that I am well prepared and suited to whatever path or opportunity that may come. This meant that during yr12 I studied hard, chose my extracurriculars carefully to support my future application decisions. These extracurricular activities helped me to develop soft skills that are not only needed for an interview but also in the workforce. For me, this meant that over the summer holiday I attended many virtual work experience events to learn about various companies. During term time, I focused on acquiring soft skills. I joined an electric car building group, the marching band and also participated in the Duke of Edinburgh award. This gave me the opportunity of volunteering in the local community. It wasn’t all engineering related but they were all skills I knew I’d need to really grow in the field I aspired to be in.

By ensuring that my personal statement and cover letter was almost ready to submit over summer, I was able to start my application process before yr. 13 even started. It was difficult juggling UCAS and degree apprenticeship applications at the same time. Facing rejections from all sides as well as trying to complete my A level learning was tough. A phrase that kept me going through this time was “There are seats for you at tables you haven’t seen yet”. This means that just because you can’t see your destination doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. The fact that your destination is not yet in view, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prepare for it. If you are trusting for rain, prepare your field. You can only be handed what you are prepared to handle.

So in a world of “I made it myself”, I am proud to say that I have not. I wouldn’t have applied to half the roles I did –including the one I have now- if not for the support and encouragement of my parents who also arranged transport for me to my open days and assessment centres. I am grateful for my sixth forms flexibility during my application process allowing me to take time off for interviews and providing practical support with my applications. I also appreciate my teachers who took time out of their busy schedule to answer my questions. So yes, I sent the applications, I asked for help, I wrote my cover letter and personal statement but I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of all these people.

My Top Tips for upcoming apprentices would be:

1.      Apply Confidently : 10 sent off applications is better than one perfect hypothetical

2.      Study just as hard as you learn: Grades aren’t everything in an apprenticeship but neither is work / interview experience. So put your best foot forward by trying to be the best all round.

3.      Closed Mouths don’t get fed: You never know who is willing to help unless you ask. I can personally testify to the doors that have been opened simply by me opening my mouth to ask for what I thought I needed. In almost all the cases I received more than I asked for.  So, DM those people on LinkedIn, cold email that recruitment manager, walk into that garage or office and ask for work experience. Even just be ready to communicate where you want to be professionally with whoever asks. The person you ask might not know how to help, but 9/10 times they know someone who can.

4.      Leading on from my last point: You are not alone. It is disheartening facing rejection email after rejection email about how you were not “the right fit” but you are not alone. One rejection is a redirection to somewhere else. Scrolling through LinkedIn can give you the impression that you need to be perfectly put together to make it but that is far from the truth. There are many like you out there facing rejection so be open talk to others about your wins and losses. Surround yourself with people who can celebrate you and support you. There are quite a few forums and networks of current and aspiring apprentices that will be able to sympathise with you as well as offer valuable advice. All you have to is ask.

5.      Don’t be afraid to do what you love.

Apprenticeship or not, the things that matter to you matter. Whatever route you choose, sector you go into or whatever your story has been, people will have their opinions and prejudices about it. Don’t let your decisions or applications be based on other’s expectations. You deserve to make a life for yourself that you love. So don’t let anyone stop you. Aim high, dream big.

Esther Adekanmi

Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprentice

You can find out more and connect with Esther on LinkedIn.